In a striking political shift hours after appearing alongside President William Ruto, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced Sunday that he will not seek re-election in 2027 on the ticket of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Speaking at a press conference, Kang’ata, who won the governorship in 2022 on a UDA ticket, told supporters that he reached the decision, after “careful reflection”, following internal party pressures as well as differences with the national leadership.
“After careful reflection, I wish to state that come 2027, I will not defend my seat on the current party ticket,” Kang’ata said. He plans to announce an alternative political platform later but made clear his intention to run for a second term as governor of Murang’a County.
He said a recent candid discussion with President Ruto had failed to produce full alignment.
However, the governor emphasized that he remains a loyal UDA member for the remainder of the current term and will continue cooperating with the national government and the president on development projects and service delivery.
“I will remain loyal to the president and also to the party through the remainder of this term,” he stated.
His announcement came after accompanying Ruto to a church service and project commissionings in his county on Sunday.
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